Celebrating 90 years of service
Charity blown away by the town’s generosity
A volunteer charity in Slough has celebrated 90 years of service to the community.
Slough Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) celebrated the milestone at its annual community forum at Weekes Drive Community Centre last month.
More than 200 people attended the event, including nearly 40 stallholders from charity partners and across the voluntary sector.
Outgoing Slough CVS chief executive officer, Ramesh Kukar – who recently announced his retirement from the role – discussed the day and the charity’s history.
He said: “I’m just blown away of the enormous generosity of the Slough community – from those that can give lots to those that can give a little.
“It’s that spirit of generosity that’s powerful.”
The Slough Council for Social Service was set up in 1932, initially to help the unemployed.
It was renamed to Slough CVS in 1973.
The community forum gives organisations in Slough an opportunity to network with others.
A new volunteer matching service, Simply Connects, was introduced on the day and is set to be launched in the new year.
The Mayor of Slough, Councillor Amjad Abassi, also attended the event and spoke to the forum about the contribution of the voluntary sector to the town, as well as with stallholders about their work.
A performance by singer, Siobhan White, of Slough based Resource Productions, bought some festive cheer to the day before a 90th anniversary cake was cut to mark the occasion.
Ramesh said: “I think the day went really well, just a celebration of community spirit.
“People are trying to improve the lives of vulnerable communities in Slough.
“We had the mayor there giving a talk – It was just bringing everyone together.”
This forum marked the last Ramesh will attend in his CEO capacity, as he is set to retire after 15 years with the charity.
“Over the years many different things have come about through Slough CVS starting up carer’s projects, developing community transport,” said Ramesh.
“We ask people ‘what do they need?’ and we ask other people ‘what can you offer?’ and what’s amazing is that often what can be offered is massive – they’re providing a floor for people so that don’t fall through.”
Simply Connects volunteer matching service will be available in early 2024 on the OneSlough website and more information on Slough CVS can be found at www.sloughcvs.org